Heating Maintenance - Why Regular Check-Ups Are Important
Like regular checkups with your doctor, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By performing a few simple maintenance tasks, you can reduce the risk of major problems that could cost thousands to repair or replace.
Before you begin any work, make sure the power to your heater is off by removing the fuse or tripping the circuit breaker at the main entrance panel.
1. Save Money on Energy Bills
Your HVAC system is a huge part of your home. If your system isn’t working efficiently, it takes a lot more effort to heat and cool every room in your house. With regular maintenance, our technicians clean and inspect the system, ensuring that it is able to produce and distribute air evenly throughout your home. This will save you energy costs and help your heating and cooling unit last longer, reducing the need for replacement or repairs in the future.
A faulty furnace is not only inconvenient and costly but can also lead to other problems like frozen pipes or even worse, carbon monoxide leaks which can be deadly. The chance of these issues is significantly reduced when you schedule routine tune-ups before winter hits. Yearly service also keeps your warranty valid, reducing out-of-pocket repair costs should something break under warranty. A professional can spot many minor problems that you may miss and fix them before they become major.
2. Increase the Life of Your Furnace
A furnace that isn’t maintained will have to work harder to keep a home warm, so it will wear down faster. Regular check-ups will help prevent this from happening so you’ll save money in the long run.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause extra stress on the system, especially if you have someone at home with allergies. During a maintenance check, your technician will clean the filter and make sure it’s the right size.
Leaks in the venting and ductwork can waste energy and cost you money. Your HVAC technician will seal any leaks in your return and supply ducts to maximize efficiency.
Thermostats may also be cleaned and calibrated during a maintenance inspection to ensure it’s working properly. The technician will also look at the controls, safety features, pump, low water cutoff, and sight glass for any issues. They’ll test for carbon monoxide leaks and make sure the ventilation piping is free from obstructions.
3. Increase the Comfort of Your Home
Just like getting your car serviced regularly, you can increase the life of your furnace by having regular check-ups. When you have a technician come out to inspect your unit, any problems can be caught early on and fixed before they turn into major repairs.
This could mean tightening loose bolts, cleaning the unit and removing any combustible materials that may be stored near it (paint cans, newspapers, cleaning solvents). It can also include ensuring that your vents and ductwork are clean so that heat enters your home properly.
It can also be a good time to upgrade your thermostat to one that is more energy efficient or to add a programmable model that can save you even more money. These kinds of small upgrades can make a huge difference in your overall comfort level and help you save money on energy costs. They can also keep you healthier by improving indoor air quality. This can be helpful for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma because it reduces the amount of dust and animal dander that is circulated in your home.
4. Prevent Health Issues
When you visit the doctor for your regular checkups, they monitor your health and can quickly identify any changes since your last appointment that may be concerning. They can then recommend a course of treatment or lifestyle changes that can prevent the issue from worsening.
Your HVAC system will also benefit from regularly scheduled maintenance. If left unchecked, your system can become less efficient - causing you to waste energy and resulting in high utility bills. With a professional checkup, your system can run as efficiently as possible year-round, saving you money on your bills.
Regular checkups can also help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. A trained technician will inspect your furnace's heat exchanger for any holes or cracks that could be leaking carbon monoxide into your home. They'll also ensure that the venting system is free from blockages to ensure adequate air flow. This will reduce your risk of carbon monoxide leaks, keeping you and your family healthy.
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